MBA Theses and Dissertations (2025)

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Determinants of emerging technology adoption (Artificial Intelligence, blockchain and machine learning) in credit analysis among Deposit-Taking SACCOs in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2025) Aden, J.
Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and machine learning (ML), are significantly transforming credit analysis; however, their adoption among deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya remains limited. This study sought to examine the factors influencing the adoption of these emerging technologies in credit analysis among DTSs in Kenya. The specific objectives were to establish effect of financial capacity, board characteristics and technological characteristics on the adoption of emerging technologies in credit analysis. The study was guided by the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) theory. The descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study wherein primary and secondary data was collected from 110 DTSs. Primary data was collected using questionnaires administered to managers of the DTSs in Kenya, including key roles such as credit managers, information technology managers, and operations managers, which focused on technology characteristics and extent of adoption. Secondary data was collected from 2024 annual reports of DTSs, and were used to obtain data on financial and board characteristics. Regression results confirmed these patterns, with board characteristics and financial capacity emerging as significant predictors, while technology characteristics showed no significant independent effect. The findings indicate that SACCOs with stronger financial positions (higher profitability, better asset quality, and capital adequacy) and robust board structures (independent, diverse boards) were more likely to adopt advanced technologies, regardless of their perceptions about the technologies themselves. These results have important theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, they support but qualify the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, demonstrating that organizational factors outweigh technological considerations in resource-constrained environments like SACCOs. Practically, the findings suggest that efforts to promote digital transformation should prioritize building financial capacity and board structures before addressing technological perceptions. Policymakers and SACCO managers should focus on improving financial management practices, strengthening board independence and diversity, and securing capital for technology investments. The study was limited to three categories of determinants and focused only on licensed deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya using a cross-sectional design. Despite this, the study contributes to existing knowledge by extending the TOE framework to SACCOs, highlighting the primacy of organizational factors over technological perceptions in low-resource settings, and integrating both primary and secondary data to provide a comprehensive view of adoption dynamics.
Factors influencing newspaper readership in Kampala, Uganda
(Strathmore University, 2025) Ortega, I.
Globally, newspapers are in a crucible of challenges, from fluctuating, and declining reductions to drops in advertising revenues. There are different reasons why individuals choose to read newspapers. This research extended to the demographic, socioeconomic, technological and content perception facts that influence newspaper readership in Kampala, Uganda. Uses and Gratifications Theory formed the major theoretical pillar while Media Dependency Theory buffered up as a support theory. The research was conducted cross-sectionally and utilized means such as measures of central tendency to describe the outcomes. Those in Kampala aged 19 and 59 years across the five divisions constituted the targeted population. A questionnaire was issued out to enable the collection of data on a 1 to 5 scale of agreement and thereafter the data analysed with STATA. Findings revealed a positive relationship between demographics, technological aspects, content factors and newspaper readership. The highest impact in newspaper use in Kampala is attributable to content perceptions. From these outcomes, media content standards have been informed while journalistic skill enhancement is also suggested. Other factors beyond those examined ought to be influencing why people use newspapers in Kampala. Additional research should follow in this aspect. Limitations from pursuing a cross-sectional design could be mitigated by a longitudinal approach to better appreciate the dynamics around readership in Kampala.
Organizational factors, project features and individual features associated with the use of emerging technologies by project managers in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2025) Ilovi, F.
A project is a collection of tasks that have a set deadline and must be finished to achieve a certain set of objectives. Project Management is applying knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet project objectives. The main objective of project management is to ensure projects are delivered on time, at the lowest possible cost and at the highest possible quality. To aid in achieving project management deliverables of time, cost and quality, most projects require effective project management and project management software. Aside from these software, project management has also benefited from the emergence of new technologies such as Blockchain (BC), Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Empirical literature has focused on the use of these technologies in project management but has not evaluated the extent to which the technologies have been adopted by organizations for project management. This adoption is important for organizations and project managers to achieve better project outcomes. This study, anchored on resource-based view and diffusion of innovation theories, aimed to establish organizational features, project features and individual features that influence the use of new technologies by project managers in Kenya. The main population was the 630 members of the Kenya Association of Project Managers (KAPM). Data was collected using an online administered questionnaire. Both descriptive and multivariate analysis was used to analyze data, with the binary logistic regression model. Only 74 respondents participated in the study. The key findings were that artificial intelligence is the popular technology adopted, followed by machine learning, and then blockchain technology across the organizations, project level and individual levels. Robotic process automation has not been adopted. The study found a positive and significant association between firm size and sector in the adoption of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence technologies. The rest of the organizational factors are insignificant. The study also found a positive and significant association between project size, project cost and project function in the adoption of Machine Learning and Artificial, while project complexity is negatively associated with the adoption of new technologies, though this is not significant. A project manager’s qualification will likely influence the adoption of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, knowledge of artificial intelligence contributes largely to individuals adopting both machine learning and artificial intelligence, but no significant relationship with work experience and project management experience. The results and findings are important as they contribute to empirical and have implication for academia and practice. Further studies can focus on barriers to adopting the emerging technologies such as block chain and robotic process automation.
Effect of emerging leadership styles of branch managers on performance of commercial banks in Nairobi County
(Strathmore University, 2025) Otiende, G.
The global banking sector is experiencing rapid transformation, driven by technological innovation, evolving customer expectations, and increasing regulatory demands. In Kenya, these changes are particularly evident among Tier 1 commercial banks, which dominate the sector in assets, deposits, and profitability. Branch managers are central to this transformation, as their leadership styles critically influence banks’ ability to adapt, innovate, and achieve sustainable performance. This study investigates the effect of emerging leadership styles-digital, hybrid, agile, and ethical-on the performance of commercial banks in Nairobi County, Kenya. The research is motivated by the recognition that traditional leadership models may be inadequate for addressing the complex challenges of the modern banking industry, and that empirical evidence on the impact of new leadership paradigms in the Kenyan context remains limited. The study addresses the gap in empirical research regarding the influence of contemporary leadership styles on bank branch performance in emerging economies. Digital leadership, characterized by the strategic use of technology to enhance efficiency and customer experience; hybrid leadership, which balances traditional management with modern innovations; agile leadership, emphasizing adaptability and rapid response to change; and ethical leadership, focusing on integrity and social responsibility, are all gaining traction globally. However, their specific effects on operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, staff engagement, and financial outcomes within Kenyan commercial banks had not been systematically examined prior to this study. The central research question is: How do digital, hybrid, agile, and ethical leadership styles adopted by branch managers affect the performance of commercial banks in Nairobi County? A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting all 337 branches of the nine Tier 1 commercial banks in Nairobi County. Using stratified random sampling, a representative sample of 77 branches was selected to ensure coverage across different banks and locations. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to branch managers, capturing both self-reported leadership styles and objective branch performance indicators. The questionnaires were developed based on established leadership and performance measurement frameworks, with reliability confirmed through pilot testing and Cronbach’s alpha analysis. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing both descriptive statistics and inferential techniques, including correlation and multiple regression, to assess the relationships between leadership styles and branch performance. Diagnostic tests for normality and multicollinearity were also performed to validate the models. The findings reveal that digital leadership is a significant predictor of branch performance, with managers who champion digital tools, promote digital literacy, and foster innovation reporting higher operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth. Hybrid leadership also shows a strong positive association with performance, as managers who balance traditional customer service with digital solutions achieve superior staff morale, customer retention, and financial results. Agile leadership, while positively correlated with performance, has a more context-dependent impact, being less significant in highly regulated or rigid environments. Ethical leadership demonstrates a direct and significant effect on both financial and non-financial performance indicators, with branches led by ethical managers reporting greater employee engagement, customer trust, and reputational capital. The study offers actionable recommendations for bank executives and policymakers, advocating for the institutionalization of digital and hybrid leadership training, context-specific application of agile practices, and reinforcement of ethical standards. It underscores the need for regulatory frameworks that support innovation while safeguarding ethical conduct and financial stability. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the understanding of leadership in the Kenyan banking sector by empirically demonstrating the positive effects of emerging leadership styles on branch performance, and recommends further research on their long-term and cross-sectoral impacts.
The Effect of corporate culture on organizational performance: a case of Basecamp Explorer Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2025) Katieno, G.
The study explored how organizational culture affects performance following a corporate merger, using Basecamp Explorer - a tourism company formed from the merger of Basecamp Explorer Kenya and Old Boma Ltd - as the case study. The research was anchored in the Competing Values Framework (CVF) and the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), offering a comprehensive model for analyzing both culture and performance. The study sought to: (1) assess the impact of Clan Culture on performance; (2) explore how Adhocracy Culture influences outcomes; (3) evaluate the role of Market Culture; and (4) examine the effects of Hierarchical Culture. A quantitative methodology was adopted, with data collected through structured questionnaires completed by 152 employees from diverse departments and roles at Basecamp Explorer. Descriptive statistics were used to outline respondent characteristics and summarize the cultural dimensions, while regression analysis examined the relationships between different culture types and organizational performance. The analysis showed that Clan and Adhocracy Cultures significantly contributed to enhanced collaboration, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Market Culture was strongly associated with achieving goals and maintaining a competitive edge. Conversely, Hierarchical Culture promoted order and control but was seen as restricting adaptability and creativity. The findings offer strategic insights for Basecamp Explorer and similar firms undergoing post-merger transitions, emphasizing the value of fostering team-oriented, innovative, and performance-driven cultures to boost success. Keywords: Organizational Culture, Organizational Performance, Competing Values Framework, Balanced Scorecard, Post-Merger Integration, Tourism Industry, Kenya.

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